Certification Insider

The Precedence Diagramming Method (PDM) is a tool for scheduling and sequencing events in a project plan based on their relationships with other events. The model allows you to visually map activities and their dependencies. Within this model there are four types of dependencies or logical relationships that are possible: finish-to-start (FS), finish-to-finish (FF), start-to-start (SS), and start-to-finish (SF). The start-to-finish relationship seems to be the model that causes the most confusion for students of the PMP exam, perhaps because there are not many good examples of this relationship. Start-to-finish occurs when “the completion of the successor activity depends on the initiation of the predecessor activity,” or, said so that normal folks can process it: Activity A must start before Activity B can finish.

Think about how you would implement a new system and turn an old system off. You can complete (i.e., turn off) the old system as soon as the new system has started in production—but not before then. Let’s try an example or two and see if it clicks:

Say you’re building a new gas pipeline. You would first finish construction and implementation of the new pipeline before you would begin shutting down and breaking down the old pipeline. Similarly, implementation of a new accounting system has to be completed before you can begin turning off the old system. Make sense?

Don’t spend too much time sweating over this particular model, however. Even though it’s not a difficult concept, the start-to-finish relationship is rarely used.

The following PMP® exam sample question is taken from the Free PMP Exam Simulator at http://free.pm-exam-simulator.com:

Which of the following relates to a quality excellence award and also to a quality improvement model?

A.) Philip Crosby
B.) Joseph Juran
C.) Malcolm Baldridge
D.) Edwards Deming

 

Hint:

This is the only formal recognition of the quality performance excellence of U.S. organizations given by the President of the United States.


All our questions are updated to the latest PMBOK® Guide standard. Stop by at http://free.pm-exam-simulator.com and try the PMP Exam Simulator free for 3 days. We also offer 110 free questions at http://www.free-pm-exam-questions.com. We are a PMI Registered Education Provider.

Please click here for the correct answer and explanation.

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In the project management world, dependencies determine the order in which various activities should be completed. These dependencies usually documented as an activity attribute and help in sequencing the activities on the project schedule network diagram. As you prepare for your PMP exam, it is important to know the difference between discretionary dependencies and mandatory dependencies.

A mandatory dependency is one that “must be” carried out at a particular time. It is usually requirement of some kind based on contracts, laws, company procedures, physical limitations, etc. When the sequence of events is developed for various aspects of the process, mandatory dependencies are placed where they must happen.

A discretionary dependency is one that isn't based on a "have to", but on a "should". These decisions are usually based upon best practices, business knowledge, etc. They are placed on the project diagram where the team members would like them to occur.

Since discretionary dependencies are more arbitrary, they should be fully documented so the reasons for their placement can be maintained and available during future revisions. As a project progresses and adjustments are needed, discretionary dependencies are often reviewed for possible alterations.

The following PMP® exam sample question is taken from the Free PMP Exam Simulator at http://free.pm-exam-simulator.com:

The Six Sigma process uses which of the following quality cycles?

A.) Plan-Do-Check-Act
B.) Plan-Perform-Verify-Act
C.) Plan-Execute-Monitor-Run
D.) Plan-Do-Control-Act

 

Hint:

Deming proposed this quality cycle.


All our questions are updated to the latest PMBOK® Guide standard. Stop by at http://free.pm-exam-simulator.com and try the PMP Exam Simulator free for 3 days. We also offer 110 free questions at http://www.free-pm-exam-questions.com. We are a PMI Registered Education Provider.

Please click here for the correct answer and explanation.